Early Childhood Education (ECE) Chef at Learning Jungle Hope Valley

Landed; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits

Career development

Job summary

Learning Jungle is seeking an ECE Center Chef to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for children aged 0–5 in a licensed NC childcare setting. You will ensure adherence to USDA/DCDEE guidelines, maintain high food-safety standards, and manage kitchen inventory and budgets.

The role requires a strong background in child nutrition, proper certifications, and the ability to collaborate with staff to serve meals on time within daily routines. HR Department supports onboarding.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Culinary program or coursework in nutrition/food safety preferred.
• Experience in institutional/ childcare kitchens is a plus.
• Knowledge of NC/DCDEE guidelines and CACFP is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Meal planning and preparation of nutritious, age-appropriate meals for 0–5 years.
• Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols; maintain clean/kitchen areas.
• Develop weekly menus meeting dietary requirements and allergies.
• Ensure meals meet DCDEE/Nutrition standards (NC Meal Patterns).
• Maintain inventory, order ingredients, monitor budgets.
• Collaborate with center leadership to align meals with daily routines.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Nutrition for children

Meal planning

Collaboration

Allergen awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary program or nutrition coursework preferred

Tools

ServSafe certification

CPR & First Aid (or willing to obtain)

Job description

ECE Chef (East Region)

Ignite Curiosity. Grow Potential.

At Learning Jungle, we believe in the power of early education to transform lives and communities. As a global provider of high-quality educational childcare, we are committed to enriching young minds through play-based learning that is Reggio-inspired and rooted in the Creative Curriculum. Our mission is to inspire children to be creative, mindful, and influential members of the world they live in.

We are currently seeking a skilled and passionate Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center Chef to join our team and provide nutritious, balanced meals to support the growth and development of young children in alignment with North Carolina requirements. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals for children aged 0–5 in a safe and hygienic manner, adhering to all licensing and nutritional guidelines.

Reports To: Center Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Meal Planning & Preparation: Plan and prepare nutritious, age-appropriate meals that support the health and well-being of young children. Ensure that meals meet USDA, NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), and other regulatory guidelines for early childhood education centers.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Follow strict food safety and sanitation protocols to ensure the kitchen, food storage, and meal preparation areas are clean and safe. Maintain proper food handling practices and ensure compliance with health codes.
• Menu Planning: Develop weekly menus that include a variety of healthy foods, ensuring that all meals are balanced, meet dietary restrictions, and cater to children with allergies or special dietary needs.
• Nutritional Guidelines: Ensure that meals meet nutritional standards set by DCDEE, including the North Carolina Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care, and other relevant bodies.
• Inventory Management: Maintain inventory of food supplies, order ingredients, and ensure the kitchen is stocked with necessary items. Keep track of food expiration dates and ensure that the kitchen operates within budgetary guidelines.
• Collaboration: Work with center leadership and teaching staff to ensure meals are served on time and in a manner that aligns with the center’s daily routine. Collaborate with staff to accommodate special events or family meals.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain records of food production, meal counts, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Complete all necessary paperwork related to food safety, allergies, and meal planning.

Qualifications:

• Age & Education: Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a culinary program, or coursework in nutrition, food safety, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience as a chef or cook in an institutional or childcare setting is preferred. Experience working in a licensed childcare center or preparing meals for young children is a plus.
• Criminal Background Check: Must receive a valid Criminal Background Check Qualification Letter from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE), prior to employment, and complete rechecks as required by North Carolina law.
• Health Requirements: Must provide a medical statement signed by a health care professional confirming fitness to work with children, provide proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and complete an annual health questionnaire, in accordance with NC Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701.
• Orientation & Health and Safety Training: Must complete required new staff orientation and North Carolina health and safety training, including Recognizing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect, within the timeframes set by NC Child Care Rules, as well as annual ongoing training hours.
• Certifications: Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or completion within 90 days of employment.
• Food Safety: Food Safety Manager Certification (such as ServSafe) or food handler training, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire. Must follow the North Carolina sanitation rules for child care centers (15A NCAC 18A .2800) and be prepared for local environmental health inspections.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and perform tasks that involve bending, lifting, and food preparation.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of food safety regulations, nutrition for young children, and appropriate meal planning and preparation for the 0–5 age group. Familiarity with the North Carolina Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care and USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal patterns and documentation.
• Allergy Awareness: Knowledge of allergen management, cross-contact prevention, and reading food labels for the major food allergens, and the ability to follow children’s medical action plans for food allergies.

Why Join Learning Jungle?

• A welcoming, inclusive team environment focused on growth and creativity
• Opportunities for continued education, career development, and permit advancement
• Competitive pay and benefits for part-time and full-time roles
• Meaningful work that supports young children during their most important years of development

Are you ready to lead with purpose and inspire a love of learning?

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the position. Learning Jungle is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Learning Jungle is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the HR Department at [e-mail].